Rotatable illuminated advertising sign



Sept. 27, 1949. D. w. VAN GIESON ROTATABLE ILLUMINATED ADVERTISING SIGN Filed Aug. 9, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 om mm L s WQ-QQQ \AQQKU\\/ 3 Hm? 8 v 3 W rm.

' f Filed Aug. 9, 1946 P 1949. Dfw. VAN GIESON I 2,482,886

ROTATABLE ILLUMINATED ADVERTISING SIGN 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 v INVENTQR. David WVanGxeson Sept. 27, 1949. D. w. VAN GIESON 2,482,836

ROTATABLE ILLUMINATED ADVERTISING SIGN Filed Aug. 9, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Pie. 6

HESTER FIELDS THEYSATISFY' INVENIOR. DavLdWVa-nGwson Patented Sept. 27, 1949 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROTATABLE ILLUDQIIIE AITED ADVERTISING David W. Van Gieson, New York, N. Y.

Application August 9, 194.6, Serial No. 689,593

12 Claims.

This invention relates to an illuminated advertising sign, and more especially to a type comprising a rotating assembly of signs contained in a. housing having a window for the advertising matter to show therethrough.

A major object of this invention is to provide an electrical advertising device which is attractive by virtue of a continual change in the color of light passing through a series of signs presented singly to steady view at regular time intervals, by virtue of a similar change in the color of reflected light passing through another sign presented continuously, and by virtue of a diagonal band of White or other colored light continuously transversing the sign areas.

Another object is to provide a rotating sign of simple and rugged construction utilizing a fluorescent or other type of luminous tube as the bearing surface about which a light color-changing tube and the sign assembly revolve.

A further object is to provide an advertising device having an economical source of even linear light for the illumination of its signs.

A further object is to provide an advertising device wherein all moving and other parts are readily accessible for repair or replacement.

A further object is to provide an advertising device wherein any of the signs may be readily interchanged, or removed and replaced by other signs.

With the above and other objects in view, all of which will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, the invention resides in the novel construction, and the combination and arrangement of parts, substantially as hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that various modifications of the embodiment described may be made within the scope of the appended claims, and that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

More particularly, the invention comprises a long, centrally positioned tube as a source of light. A fluorescent tube is preferred. This is fixed in position. Surrounding the central light tube is a translucent color tube, which is rotated continuously; this color tube is provided with translucent color panels in any desired arrangement; preferably one or more of these colored panels is helically or spirally arranged around the tube, so as to give the effect of a longitudinally movable zone of color, which attracts the eye of the public.

Surrounding the rotating color tube is a sign carrying drum or cylinder, which is provided with any desired number, say about ten or twelve, translucent panels or signs, carrying words, pictures and the like. This sign carrying drum is advanced intermittently, say about once every seconds. This drum rests frictionally on the rotating color tube, but is held against rotation therewith by a latch. This latch is automatically released at desired intervals, the drum is turned by reason of its frictional contact with the rotating color tube to bring a new sign into view, this new sign is held stationary for about 15 seconds, the

. latch is released, a new sign comes into view, and

. mounted in any desired manner. of the invention, the assembly may be mounted the operation is repeated.

The terms translucent and transparent are used interchangeably in this specification and claims, because a sign or other similar element could usually be transparent or translucent and the terms are therefore used in an illustrative sense only and not in a restrictive sense.

The foregoing parts are mounted in a suitable casing, in which is mounted a small motor for driving the color tube. The assembly may be In one aspect in a pedestal reflector base, the front of which carries a translucent sign, which is illuminated by light from the light tube passing down through a slot in the casing, which is then reflected through this sign carried at the front of the pedestal. The same color value, from the color tube, including a traveling band of color, is applied to the sign. carried by this pedestal base.

.In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an end view of the housing forming part of the main unit of the sign, with the cover closed.

Fig.2 is a front elevation of one end of the completely assembled main unit of the sign with the cover open.

Fig. 3 is a similar view of the other end of the sign, parts being broken away and in section.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the sign, with the cover closed, taken on line 44 of Fig. 2,100king in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view through the sign, with the cover closed, taken on line 55 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 6 is a detail section, taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 4. 7

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal assembly view of the light color-changing tube, on a reduced scale, and partly in section.

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the completely may be formed of sheet metal, plastic, or any.

other suitable material. Running in parallelism for the approximate length of the housing-1 and attached to the exterior thereof at the rear by rivets I3, or other suitable means, is a wire conduit l4. This wire conduit l4, like the housing H and the cover l2, may be formed of sheet metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The rear portion of the cylindrical housing wall is provided with openings at each end, as at l5, for the entrance of electrical wires to the wire conduit i i. The openings, as at l5, are provided with rubber grommets l6 for the protection of electrical wires passing therethrough. The wire conduit l4 serves to keep the electrical wires clear of revolving elements within the housing l. The rear portion of the cylindrical housing wall is provided with an opening H in the vicinity of the electric motor l8, for the entrance of power leads for the electrical equipment. Opening I1 is provided with a rubber grommet IQ for the protection .of lead-in wires passing therethrough.

The rear portion of thecylin-drical housing wall accommodates a standard type of toggle switch 2!! mounted thereon, .in the vicinity of the motor I8, for the control of power to the electrical equipment. The housing H is provided witha ventilation aperture near the top at each end as at 2|. The housing H is provided with a spring clip 22 at each end to secure cover 12 when closed. The spring clips 22, formed of spring .steel or other suitable material, are fastened to each end of the housing preferably by means of screws .23 and lock washers 24.

The cover I2 is secured .to the housing H by means of two slip hinges 25, riveted-as at 2.6, or otherwise suitabl fastened in proper. alignment to span the lower edges of the hinged members. The hinged cover I2 is therefore removable. The top edge of the cover i2 is extended in the form of a lip 21, overlapping the top edge .of the housing !I when the cover is closed, thus sealing in the light when the sign is illuminated. The cover l2 is provided with a window opening 28 backed by a strip of glass 29, the inside surface of which is frosted or sanded. The glass strip 29 is fitted into a flat recessed section of the cover I 2, as at 35, in such alignment as to provide adequate clearance for revolving elements Within the housing II. The glass strip 29 is fastened flush to the inside of the cover 12 by means of two fiathead machine screws 3|, soft rubber washers 32, and nuts 33. The cover I2 is provided with small rectangular openings at each end,nas at 34, to receive the curved ends of spring clips 22, when the cover I2 is closed.

The entire inside surfaces of the housing. H and the cover I2 are treated with at least two coats of a durable flat-white paint or any other paint having high light-reflecting qualities, unless such reflecting qualities are accomplished by metal plating, or are inherent in the material employed for the housing members.

In describing the elements comprising the internal driving mechanism of the advertising device particular reference is made to Figs. 2 and 4. The metal gear frame 35 is secured to the inside of the housing H by rivets 36 or other suitable means. The electric motor I8 is mounted on the metal gear frame 35 preferably by means of two short machine screws 3 with a lock washer 38 under each screw head, and preferably by means of'a longer machine screw 39 passing through both sides of the metal gear frame 35. The longer screw, here employed to give easy access to a screw driver, is locked in place by hexagonal nut 9 and lock washer 4|. The driving spur-gear 42 is secured to motor shaft 43 by means of set screw '44, and drives spur-gear follower 4-5 with which it is in mesh. Spur-gear follower 45, directly below spur-geardriver 42, on the same vertical centerline, is secured to movable shaft 45 by means of set screw 41. Movable shaft45 is obscured from view in Fig. 2 by latch shaft '53 which is directly in front of the hidden member in this view. Movable shaft 46 is turned to a smaller diameter, with a shoulder, at one end to fit a bearing hole in the metal gear frame 35, as at :38. Lateral shift is prevented in-movable shaft lfi'by reason of its end shoulder and the secured position of spur-gear follower 45 adjacent to the opposite bearing. Spur-gears 42 and 45 are of unity ratio and accomplish a change in the position and direction of rotary motion. Pin-gear driver (15, secured to driven shaft 4 5 by means of set screw 50, engages with apin-gear made up of cylindrical metal pins II. The ratio of pin-gear driver 49 to pin-gear H is as 1 is to 1.5. A cylindrical metal pin 5| is driven with a forced fit, through the wall of pin-gear driver 49 close to the gear hub and functions as a cam for the operation of a pivoted latch 52. Latch shaft 53 is turned to a smaller diameter, with a shoulder, at one end to fit a bearing hole in the gear frame 35, as at 48, and at the other end has projecting members which, because of their function are designated as a latch 52. Latch shaft 53'is provided with a short projecting arm 55 having a hole 56 to which is connected one end of a helical tension spring 57!. Lateral shift is prevented in latch shaft 53 by reason of its end shoulder at one bearing and because of collar '58 adjacent the other bearing. Spring 5! connects between projecting arm 55 on latch shaft 53 and projecting ear 59 on the gear frame 35, holding projecting arm 55 on latch shaft '53 under tension against stop 5|]. Stop .59, in the form of a cylindrical pin driven with a forced fit, through gear frame 35, is peened at 6|.

Centrally positioned in housing I is a standard fluorescent-light tube socket 0r receptacle 62 mounted on the gear frame 35, preferably by means of two machine screws 63 with lock washers 54, and a similar socket 65 is mounted in the center of the inside of end wall of housing II, by means of two machine screws 23 and lock washers 24. The latter screws also fasten spring clip 22 at this location. The two standard tube receptacles 52 and 55 receive a standard fluorescentlight tube 66. The receptacles may be of other types to receive other types of luminous tubes such as the lumiline tube.

In describing the light color-changing tube 61 particular reference is made to Figs. 2,3, 5 and 7. A cylindrical clear-glass tube 68, of sturdy wall thickness, is tightly fitted at its extremities with metal end-bearing pieces 69 and 10. Both metal end-bearing pieces 69 and 18 contain central bearing holes having diameters which permit a sliding fit over fluorescent-light tube 66 about which the assembled light color-changing tube 61 is free to revolve. Metal end-bearing piece 69 is provided with drilled holes to, receive a plurality of cylindrical metal pins H, with forced fit, circumferentially disposed on a pitch circle to form a pin-gear follower to mesh with pingear driver 49.

The outer surface of glass tube 68 is divided into equal parts to receive a plurality of longitudinal strips of colored material, such as cellophane '52. Clear liquid cellulose, such as airplane dope, or similar substance, may be employed as the adhesive agent for attaching the strips of colored cellophane 12 to the outer surface of glass tube 68. Laid in juxtaposition along the glass surface with edges abutting, but not overlapping,

, the colored strips of cellophane 12 are preferably of pale hues arranged in an order around the tube to approximate the spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. Thinly-colored transparent lacquers may be employed for the coloring process in lieu of colored cellophane. Each longitudinal section to be so colored is exposed between borders of painters masking tape and then is separately sprayed with a thinly colored lacquer, whereupon the masking tape is removed. In either case the colored strips are interrupted by a spiral or helical path 13, clear of color or of another distinct color, running the approximate length of the glass tube 68. Painters masking tape may be used to advantage in masking out this spiral path 13 during the coloring process. At evenly spaced intervals along the centerline of the spiral path 13 the cylindrical clear-glass tube 68 is provided with ventilation apertures 14. A marginal surface 15 at each end of the cylindrical clear-glass tube 68 is left smooth, and free of color material. These clear portions are bearing surfaces for the rotary sign assembly 16, carryin a plurality of translucent signs.

In describing the rotary sign assembly or drum [6, particular reference is made to Figs. 2, 3, and 5. The rotary sign assembly 16 consists of two annular metal end-bearing pieces, 11 and 18; a plurality of transparent sign members 19, preferably of plastic such as lucite, or glass, or other suitable material; a metal end plate 88; and mountin screws 8| and 86. In this embodiment of the invention end-bearing pieces 11 and 18 are each in the form of a decagon with wall thickness and a perimeter having ten planes as the supporting surfaces 82 for the ends of translucent sign members 19. The end-bearing pieces, Tl and 18, are each drilled and tapped at the center of all supporting surfaces 82 for the reception of machine screws, as at B3. Translucent sign members 19 are secured to end-bearing pieces, Tl and 18, preferably by means of binding-head machine screws 8l. Each of end-bearing pieces, 11 and I8, is provided with a plurality of ventilation apertures, disposed circumferentially, as at 84. The inner diameters of end bearing pieces 1'! and 18, indicated at 85, Fig. 3, are a little larger than the outside diameter of color tube 68, so that these end pieces 11 and 18 have a loose friction fit on the respective ends of the rotating tube 68. Therefore, as tube 68 rotates, end pieces 11 and I8, and the sign carrying assembly or drum tends to rotate also, unless held against rotation by latch 52, as already described.

End bearing piece 11 is provided with drilled and tapped holes, circumferentially disposed, for the reception of machine screws 86, preferably of the fiat-head type. These screws secure metal end plate flush to, and in radial alignment with, end-bearin piece 11. The design of metal end plate 88 is such as to provide a plurality of tongues 68, bent at right angles to the main flat' body of the plate. The tongues 88 of metal end plate 80 are aligned for engagement with latch 52 when the latter is in the engaging position. The tongues 88, one for each transparent sign member 19, in co-ordination with the action of latch 52, function to effect intermittent motion of the rotary sign assembly 16, and to successively align transparent sign members 19 in viewing positions to coincide with window opening 28 in cover !2. The design of metal end plate 88 is such as to provide open spaces between tongues 88, leaving no obstruction to ventilation apertures 84 in metal end-bearing piece 11. Metal end plate 88 is provided with a central circular opening, as at 89, having a diameter slightly greater than the outside diameter of light color-changing tube 61. The periphery of circular opening 89 is interrupted at quadrant points by small semi-circular projections 96, functioning to maintain a fixed relation in the longitudinal positions of light colorchanging tube 61 and rotary sign assembly 16. These two rotatable members are further maintained in relative longitudinal relationship by the action of guide assembly 9|.

Transparent or translucent sign members 19 are in the form of rectangular strips with sloping sides which permit them to be laid snugly against each other when mounted in the rotary sign carrying drum 16. The advertising matter, such as slogans or legends, carried by the transparent material of sign members 19 may be applied thereto in any suitable manner. Letters, figures, or images may be printed, painted, drawn, or impressed thereon, or they may be adhesively secured or transferred thereto as in the case of decalcomanias.

With reference to Fig. 6, guide assembly 9| consists of a cylindrical metal post 92, slotted and equipped at one end with a small metal wheel 93 and a metal bearing pin 94, the other end terminating in the form of a machine screw, as at 95, for mounting purposes. A mounting hole, as at 96, is provided in metal gear frame 35 for the reception of the machine screw portion of cylindrical metal post 92, this post being secured in place by means of nut 91 and lock washer 98. Cylindrical metal post 92 is mounted in a manner to allow small metal wheel 93 to ride freely with the rotary movement of metal end plate 80, and functions toprevent lateral shift of the rotary sign assembly 16 and the light colorchanging tube 61 in one direction. Lateral shift of these assemblies is prevented in the other direction by reason of the light color-changing tube bearing against fluorescent-light tube receptacle 65. A larger bearing surface can be provided at this receptacle, if required, by the addition of a tight-fitting collar, preferably of fibre, slipped over the receptacle. This part is not shown on the drawing.

In this embodiment of the invention the electric motor [8 is equipped with internal reducing gears developing a uniform driving speed of approximately four revolutions per minute.

With particular reference to Fig. 10 the schematic diagram of the electrical circuit is a standard alternating-current circuit arrangement of electrical equipment and connections. A comparable arrangement for direct-current operation is applicable. In the diagram, electrical symbols are employed to represent electrical equipment contained in the advertising device, that is, the toggle switch 20, the electric motor 18, and the fluorescent-light tube 68. Electrical symbols are also employed to designate a standard line unit 90 containing a starter I00, and a current-limiting device I 5. The schematic diagram also shows a standard outlet plug I02. Electrical equipment and insulated wires are of types to meet the latest requirements of the National Electrical code. Wires are arranged so as to be clear of moving mechanical parts. Wires running along the length of the housing It are carried in wire conduit I4.

The operation is as follows:

Upon closing the electric circuit through toggle switch 20, current is supplied to the motor I8 and to the fluorescent-light tube 66, which are connected in the circuit in multiple. Motor I3 rotates spur-gear driver 42 which drives spurgear follower 05, and pin-gear driver 49 on the same shaft d5. Pin-gear driver 49, engaging with cylindrical metal pins TI on end of light colorchanging tube 61, rotates this tube continuously. The rotary sign assembly 16 is rotated by the frictional drag of its end members ll and 18 on the color-changing tube 6'! until stopped by the engagement of one of the tongues 88 on metal-end plate 80 with latch 52. When so constrained the position of rotary sign assembly 16 is such as to present one of its transparent sign members 19 in the viewing position at window opening 28. With the continuous rotation of pin-gear driver 49, the pin on this gear operates to disengage latch 52 from tongue 88, allowing rotary sign assembly '36 to again rotate by friction with light color-changing tube ol'. As soon as pin 5I releases the latch 52, tension spring 5'1 quickly restores the latch to position for engagement with the next tongue 88. The sign assembly therefore rotates 36, to bring a new sign into view. Latch 52 is held in the engaging position, Fig. 4, by contact with stop 60 until again disengaged by the action of pin 5|. The operation of presenting a new transparent sign member 19 in the viewing position at window opening 23 is repeated with each revolution of pin-gear driver 49.

In this embodiment of the invention the gear ratios (external to the motor) are such, and the transition time for sign changes is such, that advertising display matter on each transparent sign member 19 is presented to steady view for a period of approximately from 12 to 13 seconds.

In this embodiment of the invention the lighting effects of the main unit of the advertising device are as follows:

The continuous rotation of the light colorchanging tube 5?, with its strips of colored cellophane l2, revolving about fluorescent-light tube 65 cause a continually blending change in the color of light cast through transparent sign members is as they appear at the window opening 28, clearly silhouetting the advertising matter on the frosted glass strip 20 at the window opening 23. The spiral path l3, clear of color or of another distinct color, revolving with light colorchanging tube 61 results in a diagonal band of white or other colored light passing slowly across the window opening 28 simultaneously with the changing colored light at this window opening.

The main unit of the advertising device, as described, may be employed as an independent i1- luminated advertising sign, and can .be adapted I to various means. of support such as by suitable brackets on a wall or pendent wires from a ceiling. When used in conjunction with the pedestal reflector I03, as depicted in Figs. 8 and 9, the bottom of cylindrical wall of housing II is provided with a rectangular opening, as at I04, for the release of colored light to the pedestal reflector I03.

The housing I05, Fig. 9, is formed of sheet metal, plastic, or other suitable material. The front and rear walls, I06 and I0] respectively, slope inwardly toward the top, each of these walls being provided with a window opening I08. Sides I09 and. H0 are of concave contour at the top to snugly receive the main unit of the advertising device for which the housing I05 acts as a base or pedestal. The lower edge of each of sides 109 and I I0 takes the form of an obtuse angle with its apex along the longitudinal centerline of the housing I05. The lower edges of sides I09 and H0 are bent in at right angles, as at I I I, to support mirror reflectors II2. End sign-bracing pieces II3, constructed of metal, plastic, or other suitable material, are provided with drilled and tapped holes, as at H4, to receive screws H5. Sides I09 and H0 are provided with holes to admit screws H5 to drilled and tapped holes in end sign-bracing pieces II3. One of the end sign-bracing pieces I I3 is fastened to the inside of side I09 by means ,of screws H5, and the other end sign-bracing piece is similarly fastened to the inside of side H0. The end sign-bracing pieces II3 are of such dimensions that space is provided at the ends thereof, as at H5, for the easy insertion or removal of rectangular strips of glass Ill, and transparent sign members H8. The rectangular glass strips I I! are frosted or sanded on the outside. The transparent sign members I I8, of thin sheet plastic, or other transparent material, or glass, are inserted in back of rectangular glass strips II! with advertising matter facing the smooth inside surfaces of the glass. The advertising matter is placed on the transparent sign members II8 similarly as on transparent sign members I9. The end sign-bracing pieces H3 are designed to fit snugly against mirror reflectors IIZ, holding these members firmly in place. The entire inside surface of the pedestal reflector I03 is given paint treatment similar to that specified for the inside surfaces of the housing II and the cover I2.

The lighting effects of the pedestal reflector I03 are as follows:

Light passing downward through light colorchanging tube 61 and through rectangular opening I04 in the bottom of the main unit of the advertising device, is reflected by mirrors I I2 in pedestal reflector I03 to produce changing colored light at transparent sign members IIB, the color of reflected light being at all times difierent from direct light appearing at window opening 28 in the main unit of the advertising device. This difference in the color of reflected and direct light is due to the light passing through different color sections on light color-changing tube 6?. Light resulting from spiral path, clear of color or of another distinct color, revolving with light colorchanging tube 01, appears in the form of a slow wave of differently colored light brushing across other changing colored light at transparent sign member H8.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms than that described without departure from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, for example, the inclusion of two sets of in:

ternal equipment in a single housing, contemplating a sign-viewing window on opposite sides, or two ormore sets of such equipment, one above the other, contemplating several sign viewing windows on the same side of a common housing, or varied arrangements of color on the light color-changing tube, opening the way to a variety of colored light effects. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes or modifications which fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

I claim as my invention:

1. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding and turning on said central light tube, a sign-carrying drum surrounding and bearing frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be turned thereby, and means for continuously rotating the color tube and intermittently advancing the sign-carrying drum, for successively displaying the signs carried thereby.

2. An illuminated sign, comprising a long, centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube provided with colored, light-transmitting areas, surrounding and bearing on said centrally positioned light tube, a sign-carrying drum provided with a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding and bearing frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be driven thereby, and means for continuously rotating the color tube and for intermittently rotating the sign-carrying drum.

3. An illuminated sign, comprising a long, centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding said light tube and carrying a colored, helically positioned translucent strip, means for rotating said color tube continuously, thereby providing a longitudinally moving zone of color, a sign-carrying drum provided with a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding and bearing frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be driven thereby, and means, cooperating with the drive for the color tube, for intermittently advancing said sign-carrying drum for successively displaying the signs carried thereby.

4. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube, provided with colored, light-transmitting areas, surrounding said central light tube, a drum, carrying a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding said color tube and receiving light therefrom and bearing loosely and frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be turned thereby, means for continuously rotating the color tube, and cooperating means, for advancing said drum intermittently by its frictional contact with the continuously rotating color tube, for displaying in succession the signs carried thereby.

5. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube, provided with colored, light-transmitting areas, surrounding said central light tube, a drum, carrying a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding said color tube and receiving light therefrom and hearing loosely and frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be turned thereby, means for continuously rotating the color tube, and means, including an intermittently operated latch, cooperating with said drum and color tube for periodically releasing said drum so that it is advanced intermittently by its frictional contact with the continuously rotating color tube, for displaying in succession the signs carried thereby.

6. An illuminated sign, comprising a long, .centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding and bearing on said light tube and provided with a colored, helically positioned, translucent strip, means for rotating said color tube continuously, thereby forming a longitudinally movable zone of color, a drum, carrying a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding said color tube and receiving light therefrom, and bearing loosely and frictionally on said rotatable color tube so as to be turned thereby, and means, cooperating with the drive for the color tube, for effectingthe' intermittent advance of the sign carrying drum from its frictional contact with the driven color carrying tube, for successively displaying the signs carried by said drum.

7. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding and bearing on saidlight tube, driving pins carried by one end of said color tube, a pingear driver engageable with said driving pins, a drum provided with translucent signs, surrounding and bearing loosely and frictionall on said rotatable color tube so as to be driven thereby, means for driving said pin-gear driver, and thereby said color tube, continuously, and cooperating means for advancing said sign carrying drum intermittently, for thereby displaying in succession the signs carried thereby.

8. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding and bearing on said light tube, driving pins carried by one end of said color tube, a pingear driver engageable with said driving pins, a drum provided with translucent signs, surrounding and bearing loosely and frictionally on said rotatable color tube, and in driving engagement therewith, means for driving said pin-gear driver continuously, and cooperating means, including an intermittently operated latch, for periodically releasing said drum so that it is advanced intermittently by its frictional contact with the rotating color tube, for displaying in succession the signs carried thereby.

9. An illuminated sign, comprising a centrally positioned light tube, a rotatable color tube surrounding and bearing on said light tube, and provided with a colored, helically positioned, translucent strip, means, including driving pins carried by one end of said color tube, and a driven pin-gear driver engageable with said pins, for rotating said color tube continuously, thereby forming a longitudinally movable zone of color, a drum, carrying a plurality of translucent signs, surrounding and bearing loosely and frictionally on said rotatable color tube and receiving light therefrom and in frictional driving contact therewith, and means, including a latch, cooperating with said drive means for the color tube, for effecting the intermittent advance of the sign carrying drum by its frictional contact with the color tube, for thereby successively displaying the signs carried by said drum.

10. An illuminated sign, comprising an elongated light tube, a color tube surrounding the light tube, a sign carrying drum provided with translucent sign panels, surrounding the color tube, means for intermittently advancing said drum for successive display of the signs carried thereby, a casing for housing said tubes and drum, provided with a bottom slot, a pedestal support for said casing, a mirror positioned in the bottom of said pedestal support, and adapted to receive light 1 i from the bottom slot in the casing, and a translucent sign carried by said pedestal support, for receiving light reflected from said mirror.

11. An illuminated Sign, comprising an elongated light tube-a color tube surrounding the light tube, a sign carrying drum provided with translucent sign panels, surrounding the color tube, means for continuously rotating the color tube, cooperating means for intermittently advancing "said drum for successive display of the signs carried thereby, a casing for housing said tubes and drum, provided with a bottom slot, a pedestal support for said casing, a mirror positioned in the bottom of said pedestal support, and adapted to receive light from the bottom slot in the casing,

and a translucent sign carried by said pedestal support, for receiving lig ht reflected from said mirror.

12. An illuminated sign, comprising a central elongated light tube, a color tube, providedwith a helically arranged color zone, surrounding the REFERENCES CITED FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Feb, 12, 1903 Number 

